Alejandro

Reyes Roces
National Artist of the Philippines for Literature
 Basic Information
• Also known as “Anding”
• Birthplace: Manila, NCR, Philippines
• Birthdate: July 13, 1924
• Death: May 23, 2011 (86)
• Son of Rafael Filomeno Gonzales Roces and
Inocencia Reyes-Roces
 Basic Information
• Husband of Irene Yorston Viola
• Father of Elizabeth Roces Pedrosa
• Brother of Inocencia Reyes Roces;
Private; Private; Rafael Reyes Roces,
Jr.; Marcos Victor Reyes Roces
 Professions or Positions
• He was a Filipino author, essayist, dramatist,
journalist, teacher, patriot, public servent and a
National Artist of the Philippines for literature.
• He served as Secretary of Education from 1961 to
1965, during the term of Philippine President
Diosdado Macapagal.
 Professions or Positions
• In 2001, Roces was appointed as Chairman of the
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
(MTRCB).
• Roces also became a member of the Board of
Trustees of Government Service Insurance System
(GSIS) and maintained a column in the Philippine
Star called Roses and Thorns.
Literary Works
 Short Stories

• We Filipinos are Mild Drinkers – won Best Short

Story (University of Arizona)

• My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken - was listed as

Martha Foley’s Best American Stories (1948 and
1951)
 Published Books
• Of Cocks and Kites (1959) – country's best
writer of humorous stories
• Fiesta (1980) - book of essays
• Something to Crow About (2005) - collection
of Roces’ short stories
 Awards and Achievements
• Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Awards
• Diwa ng Lahi Award
• Tanging Parangal of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining
• Rizal Pro Patria Award
• Bestowed the honor as National Artist of Literature
on 25 June 2003
 Other Relevant Information
• Anding attended elementary and high school at the Ateneo
de Manila University, before moving to the University of
Arizona and then Arizona State University for his tertiary
education.
• Roces was a captain in the Marking’s Guerilla duringWorld
War II and a columnist in Philippine dailies such as the Manila
Chronicle and the Manila Times. He was previously President
of the Manila Bulletin and of the CAP College Foundation.
 Known For
• Changing the date of Philippine Independence Day
from July 4 to June 12.
• Recovering the stolen original manuscripts of Noli Me
Tangere, El Filibusterismo and Mi último Adiós.
• Changed the language used in Philippine passports,
coins, bills and diplomas to Wikang Pambansa.
THANK YOU!
John Rey Talamor
Gerelyn Mae Cordon
Aubrey Joy Miado
Crystabelle Vales